Year of the rat

While 2020 is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese calendar, Val says it’s the year of the rat every year in her garden

- Val

I WAS slightly surprised when I went into a health-food shop at the beginning of this year to see a picture of a large rat, until I noticed a banner proclaiming that 2020 was the Year of the Rat. The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle and the Chinese view rats as clever and quick thinkers. They’re successful, but live a quiet and peaceful life. People born in the Year of the Rat, whether it’s 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 or 2008, are optimistic and energetic.

I have visited Japan several times to lecture about roses, with a mixed group including musicians, actors, gardeners and potters. We all looked up our signs according to our year of birth. I know I am born in the Year of the Tiger (1950). That means I’m a born leader, tenacious, intelligent and patient. Ha! Believe that if you will. I’m also meant to be gullible, short-tempered and suspicious. I felt tigerish once I knew this, but one rather large lady was less impressed to be born in the Year of the Ox.